Unhealthy air quality more than doubles to 18 areas across Malaysia

UNHEALTHY air quality spread rapidly across Malaysia on Monday, with the number of affected areas more than doubling from eight in the morning to 18 by 2pm, led by Serian in Sarawak with an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 181.

Based on the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Sri Aman recorded the second-highest reading at 170, followed by Johan Setia (160), Cheras (155), Larkin and Pasir Gudang (154 each), and Nilai and Seremban (153 each).

The other locations with unhealthy readings were Samarahan (151), Putrajaya (150), Pengerang (134), Kuching (129), Kluang and Tangkak (121 each), Alor Gajah (117), Shah Alam (114), Seri Manjung (105) and Kota Tinggi (102).

A total of 48 locations recorded moderate air quality, while two recorded good air quality as of 2pm.

API readings of 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while 201 to 300 are very unhealthy and readings above 300 are hazardous. Readings of 51 to 100 indicate moderate air quality and 0 to 50 good air quality. - September 14, 2026